Articles

Background

 

As part of their ambitious growth strategy, our client — a leading dentistry group — is actively expanding their portfolio of surgeries across the UK. Each acquisition requires swift yet thorough pre-acquisition advice to ensure that new sites are fit for purpose, compliant, and sustainable for long-term use. With multiple practices being acquired in different locations, consistency and attention to detail were essential.

 

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Our Instruction

 

SHW was engaged to provide pre-acquisition advice throughout the UK. Our appointment covers:

 

• Pre-Acquisition Surveys — delivering detailed assessments of each asset to identify structural defects, compliance risks, and likely future maintenance liabilities.

 

• Schedules of Condition — preparing accurate records of each building’s condition at the point of acquisition to protect the client against dilapidation claims and to support lease negotiations.

 

• Client-Specific Reviews — tailoring reporting to advise on the existing operations of the practice to determine if they meet the new owners’ requirements.

 

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Our Approach

 

Working to acquisition timescales, SHW coordinate inspections across multiple geographic locations across the UK, ensuring consistency in reporting format and technical advice. Findings were presented in clear, prioritised formats, enabling the client’s acquisitions team to incorporate technical risk into commercial decision-making efficiently.

 

Where relevant, we highlighted issues requiring early capital expenditure, provided indicative costs, and advised on negotiation strategies to mitigate financial exposure.

 

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Outcome

 

Our input has provided the client with:

 

• A robust understanding of the technical and financial risks associated with each acquisition.

 

• Protection against future dilapidation liabilities through detailed Schedules of Condition.

 

• Sector-specific advice ensuring new surgeries meet operational and regulatory requirements from day one.

 

Alex Parker, Building Surveyor at SHW commented “This consistent, structured approach has supported the client’s ability to expand their portfolio with confidence, while maintaining control over technical and contractual risk.”